Dan Cleary working way back from surgery

He returned from having missed 19 games for major reconstructive jaw surgery, and almost immediately thereafter hit the ice for the playoffs. Having major jaw surgery is an utterly draining experience. One cannot eat solid food for some time, and one absolutely cannot exercise for a good while. Cleary no doubt lost a very significant amount of strength and conditioning during that period---and upon returning, he was almost immediately thrust into the middle of playoff hockey. That's not easy.

He still played very well.

Yeah I remember he dropped about 15 pounds or so and came back playing without gaining even 5 back I believe.

It goes over how he chose to risk permanent nerve damage---via taking a surgery with faster recovery over another that would be safer but would require a longer convalescence---in order to return to the lineup faster after his jaw injury in '08.

He returned from having missed 19 games for major reconstructive jaw surgery, and almost immediately thereafter hit the ice for the playoffs. Having major jaw surgery is an utterly draining experience. One cannot eat solid food for some time, and one absolutely cannot exercise for a good while. Cleary no doubt lost a very significant amount of strength and conditioning during that period---and upon returning, he was almost immediately thrust into the middle of playoff hockey. That's not easy.

He still played very well.

I would like to see anyone not eat solid food for a month or so and try to play professional hockey in the NHL!

Cleary is one hell of a player! I am so excited to see him 100% healthy, and motivated for the upcoming season!

One of the most underrated players on the team. This guy is an absolute warrior, he plays through so much. A healthy motivated Cleary can and will earn every cent of his contract everybody seems to hate. He can play the PP, the PK, he plays a very hard gritty game and goes to the dirtiest areas of the ice. In my eyes he is a very valuable player.